The Capital Development Authority has completed a comprehensive survey of fire safety and hazard control across the Federal Capital, covering 6,500 buildings, including inspections of 300 government properties. The exercise found that many buildings have not obtained approved Fire Safety Plans or received Completion/Fire Safety Certificates, highlighting gaps in compliance that require immediate attention.
The survey results and next steps were discussed at a meeting chaired by Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa, with participation from CDA Board Member Admin Talat Mahmood, Member Planning and Design Dr. Khalid Hafiz, DC Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon, the Director General Building and Housing Control, the Director General Islamabad Capital Emergency Services and other officers. The initiative followed directions from Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to carry out a prompt and thorough inspection of all buildings in Islamabad.
It was decided that building owners and occupants must submit their Fire Safety and Hazard Control Certificates to the Building & Housing Control Wing of the CDA within fifteen days. Failure to comply will result in legal action under the CDA Ordinance and the Islamabad Capital Territory Building Control Regulations 2020 (Amended 2023), including fines and other enforcement measures. Authorities warned that if an accident occurs due to non-submission of required certificates, responsibility will rest with the concerned owners and building management.
The CDA has directed that all buildings be inspected annually and that certificates confirming adherence to fire safety measures in accordance with Pakistan Engineering Council codes be submitted to the authority. Regular fire safety drills will be arranged and the district administration has been instructed to ensure strict enforcement. The focus on fire safety aims to prevent the spread of fire, secure functional evacuation routes and systems, and strengthen protection of lives and property while supporting efforts to make Islamabad a safer, modern capital.
